Take Charge at the Y

Leanne Hickman knows what it takes to get healthier: initiative and perseverance.

"I had to do it myself...there's no magic pill. I had no one to go with me. You have to do it yourself and along the way you find people to do it with you," Hickman said.

And Leanne, 46, of Sedro-Woolley did it. Since March of 2007, Leanne has lost 82 pounds. Starting at 215 pounds, she now weighs a dainty 133. But she will be the first one to tell you it's not easy. She's learned it hurts to exercise (in a good way), but it also hurts not to exercise. Before Leanne lost all the weight, she was a chronic sufferer of acid reflux and sleep apnea, but by the time she lost the first 20-30 pounds she had no more acid reflux and slept soundly through the night. Now she does not take any medications.

Leanne is now in the process of maintaining her weight and people often ask her what diet she is on, but tells them it's a combination of exercise and changing her eating habits.

"I'm not on a diet. I changed the way I ate; I don't deep-fry anymore, I bake things. I don't eat things out of a package," Hickman said. "People think you're being corny, but it really is a lifestyle change."

That is what the Skagit Valley Family YMCA's new weight management class, Take Charge at the Y, is all about. This 8-week course will give you the tools you need to make the changes you want. During the course, participants will learn:

• How to survey their current habits and set goals
• Nutrition basics/principles, including how to stay motivated
• Secrets to exercise and facts/misconceptions
• Meal planning
• Self Image
• Strength exercise and stretching for STRESS MANAGEMENT
• Self-empowerment
• Managing life's daily stresses
• And more!

The course is taught by former Weight Watchers leader (a 10 year veteran!) and current YMCA Zumba Gold instructor Patty Urbick (who also just recently won the YMCA staff 'Biggest Loser' competition). Bring a friend or just yourself to join like-minded health seekers in the welcoming environment of the Y! Register for the class by Jan. 10; class begins Tuesday, Jan. 11!

Losing weight is often the #1 New Year's resolution in America, but how many people resolve to keep the weight off or are able to keep the weight off once they reach their goal and end New Year's diet?

"It's not how fast you get to your goal, it's that you get there," said Hickman. "The point is when you get there that you maintain. People told me, 'Once you stop exercising you won't be able to maintain,' but they don't understand once you reach your goal, you keep going!"

At the Y, we understand. We understand what it takes to help our neighbors become healthier and we want you to join us. We could use someone like you.

Keep checking the blog for Leanne's complete story and more amazing stories of members of the Skagit Valley Family YMCA!